Billiard Bridge Training Glove

ABSTRACT

An instructional billiard glove worn on a player&#39;s bridge hand provided with a first, second, third, fourth and fifth releasable securing means positioned on a thumb stall bottom side, thumb stall distal end, an index finger stall interstice, index finger stall distal end, and a middle finger stall interstice, respectively. Open bridge formation is instructed by releasably securing the first and third releasable securing means. Closed bridge formation is instructed by releasably securing the first and fifth releasable securing means while releasably securing the second and fourth releasable securing means. Releasable securing means are preferably mating hook and loop fasteners fixed to the finger stalls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a billiard instructional device, specifically to an instructional billiard glove and method that instructs a person in proper formation of open and closed billiard bridge positions, respectively.

2. Description of the Related Art

In billiards, a player uses a cue stick to strike a cue ball causing the cue ball to roll in the direction of an object ball. When properly struck, the cue ball strikes the object ball and the object ball rolls into a pocket for scoring. While striking the cue ball, the player grips the cue stick in one hand and rests the striking end of the cue stick on the player's other hand. This hand supporting the striking end of the cue stick is called the “bridge” hand since it is formed into a bridge position. The open bridge and closed bridge are two most bridge positions.

Forming a proper bridge position is a key element of properly striking the cue ball. A properly formed bridge creates a steady and solid structure to control the cue stick. A proper bridge also enables the player to strike the cue ball with greater force and accuracy, improving play. An open bridge position generally consists of the palm of the bridge hand resting on the billiard's table playing surface, knuckles of the four fingers raised, the bottom of the thumb firmly abutting the inside of the index finger with the tips of the four fingers resting on the table playing surface. A closed bridge position generally consists of the palm of the bridge hand resting on the billiard's table playing surface, knuckles of the four fingers raised, the bottom of the thumb firmly abutting the inside of the middle finger, and the tip of the index finger firmly abutting the tip of the thumb with the tips of the middle, ring and pinkie fingers resting on the table playing surface.

Players are usually instructed in formation of a billiard bridge position by verbal coaching and visually watching the coach form the bridge position. The player practices formation of the bridge position repetitively to learn how to form a bridge position. This method of instruction is difficult since properly formed bridge positions require restraint of the bridge hand in unnatural positions. Additionally, verbal instructions are difficult to follow. Coaching sessions are limited in duration, and the player does not have the advantage of assistance during individual play unless the coach is present.

Instructional training aids teaching formation of proper bridge position are limited. U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,153 to josenhans teaches a training device for billiards. However, such a training device is bulky, does not instruct in multiple bridge formations, and does not allow the cue stick to rest on the bridge hand. Additionally, such a device does not provide suitable “feel” to the player in striking the cue ball. The player must still transition from the use of the training device to learning to properly form bridge positions without the aid of the device.

There are many billiard gloves that enhance play. These devices are used to reduce friction of the cue stick at the points of connection with the bridge hand. Heretofore, no billiard glove device instructs the hand in bridge formation.

Accordingly, what is needed is an instructional training aid that teaches a player in proper formation of billiard bridge positions that facilitates play, is unobtrusive, can be used for self-instruction, and assists the player in restraining the hands in assuming proper bridge positions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an instructional device to instruct a billiard player in proper formation of various billiard bridge positions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an instructional billiard glove that facilitates play while instructing a player in proper formation of various billiard bridge positions.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an instructional billiard glove that restrains the player's bridge hand in assuming a proper billiard bridge position to enable the player to maintain the formed bridge position during play.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an instructional training aid providing a smooth, friction-reducing covering for portions of the hand and fingers that contact the cue stick.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an instructional training aid that aids a player in controlling the cue stick thus enhancing the player's skill in billiards.

To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as broadly described herein, the present invention provides an instructional training aid and method of use that instructs a person's hand in formation of one or more billiard bridge positions.

In a first aspect, the invention comprises an instructional training aid comprising a billiard glove having the thumb releasably securable to at least one finger providing a player instruction in proper formation of an open billiard bridge position.

In a second aspect, the invention comprises an instructional training aid comprising a billiard glove having the thumb releasably securable to the index finger providing a player instruction in proper formation of a closed billiard position.

In a third aspect, the invention comprises an instructional training aid comprising a billiard glove having releasable securing means positioned on the thumb with mating releasable securing means positioned on the index finger and middle finger, providing a player instruction in proper formation of either an open or closed billiard bridge position, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a billiard glove is provided with hook and loop fasteners positioned on the bottom side of the thumb and the distal end of the thumb. The glove further comprises mating opposite hook and loop fasteners positioned on the inside of the index finger, distal end of the index finger, and inside of the middle finger, providing for restraint of the hand in assuming an open billiard bridge position when the hook and loop fastener positioned on the bottom side of the thumb is releasably secured to the opposite hook and loop fastener positioned on the side of the index finger. Alternatively, the glove provides for restraint of the hand in assuming a closed billiard bridge position when the hook and loop fastener positioned on the bottom side of the thumb is releasably secured to the opposite hook and loop fastener positioned on the inside of the middle finger, and the hook and loop fastener positioned on the distal end of the thumb is releasably secured to the opposite hook and loop fastener positioned on the distal end of the index finger.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numbers denote the same element throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the backhand side of an instructional billiard glove in which the present invention is practiced.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the palm side of an instructional billiard glove in which the present invention is practiced.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the billiard glove being worn in which the present invention is practiced to form an open bridge position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view showing the billiard glove being worn in which the present invention is practiced to form an open bridge position.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the billiard glove being worn in which the present invention is practiced to form a closed bridge position.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the billiard glove being worn in which the present invention is practiced to form a closed bridge position.

FIG. 7 is an orthographic view of the billiard glove being worn in which the present invention is practiced to form a closed bridge position.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view showing the billiard glove being worn in which the present invention is practiced to form an open bridge position while supporting a cue stick.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the billiard glove being worn in which the present invention is practiced to form a closed bridge position while supporting a cue stick.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the backhand side of a left-handed embodiment of an instructional billiard glove 10 as practiced in the present invention. The glove 10 is worn on the bridge hand of the player. The hand has knuckles 16 b, 18 b, 22 b, 24 b where each finger extends from the hand. The glove 10 has a first finger stall 14 (also called “thumb stall”) for receiving a thumb, a second finger stall 16 (also called “index finger stall”) for receiving an index finger and a third finger stall 18 (also called “middle finger stall”) for receiving a middle finger. The ring finger 22 and the pinkie finger 24 of the bridge hand are typically uncovered. The thumb stall 14 further includes a thumb knuckle portion 14 c. The thumb knuckle portion 14 c generally covers the knuckle of the thumb. The index finger stall 16 further includes an index knuckle portion 16 c which generally covers the index finger knuckle. The middle finger stall 18 further includes a middle knuckle portion 18 c which generally covers the middle finger knuckle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the present invention comprise a billiard glove 10 as previously described and further including stalls for the ring finger 22 and pinkie finger 24. The glove 10 may be interchangeable between the right and left hand, or manufactured specifically for a right or left-handed player. The glove 10 is preferably made of a soft, elastic and low friction material, such as nylon. The glove 10 is typically manufactured to snugly fit the bridge hand, having several standard sizes to accommodate different players with different hand sizes facilitating comfort. The glove 10 typically has a releasable closure strap 26 at the base end 28 of the glove 10 for retaining the glove 10 on the bridge hand during use.

FIG. 2 illustrates the palm side of the instructional billiard glove 10 when worn. The palm of the bridge hand is partially covered by a palm portion 42 of the glove 10. The ring and pinkie fingers 22, 24 are uncovered. The thumb stall 14 covers the thumb, the index finger stall 16 covers the index finger, and the middle finger stall 18 covers the middle finger as previously mentioned. The preferred embodiment further provides that the thumb stall 14 is releasably securable to either the index finger stall 16 or middle finger stall 18. The distal end of the thumb stall 14 is releasably securable to the distal end of the index finger stall 16.

In a preferred embodiment, the thumb stall 14 is provided with a first releasable securing means 48 positioned on the bottom side of the thumb stall 14 adjacent the thumb knuckle portion 14 c. The embodiment further provides a second releasable securing means 50 positioned on the distal end of the thumb stall 14. The index finger stall 16 is provided with a third releasable securing means 52 positioned adjacent the index knuckle portion 16 c on the interstice side of the index finger stall 16 that is adjacent the thumb stall 14. A fourth releasable securing means 54 is positioned adjacent the distal end of the index finger stall 16. A fifth releasable securing means 56 is positioned adjacent the middle knuckle portion 18 c on the interstice side of the middle finger stall 18 that is adjacent the index finger stall 16. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second releasable securing means 48, 50 are made of a patch of hook and loop material. The third, fourth and fifth releasable securing means 52, 54, 56 are made of a patch of an opposite one of hook and loop material.

The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 of hook and loop material are preferably the same size and shape. The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 may be round, square, or of another shape. The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 should large enough to firmly cooperate when releasably engaged and assist the player in restraining the bridge hand in the assumed bridge position. Patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 preferably have a diameter of 1/2″ or less, although larger sizes may be effectively used. The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 are fixed to the glove 10 in their respective predetermined positions, preferably by the use of permanent, washable adhesives that permanently bond the patch to the fabric of the glove 10. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate other methods of fixing the patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 in place including sewing the patch in place. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any means of releasably securing the thumb stall 14 and finger stalls 16, 18 to their respective mate in a manner which restrains the bridge hand in assuming the shape of a chosen billiard bridge formation, such as a button or clip configuration, is suitable for use with the present invention.

It is preferred that the first patch 48, third patch 52, and fifth patch 56 are each dyed the same color. This color-coding scheme provides visual instruction to the player that the first patch 48 releasably secures to either the third patch 52, when forming an open bridge, or the fifth patch 56, when forming a closed bridge. Likewise, the second and fourth patches 50, 54 are dyed the same color, which is different from the color of the first, third, and fifth patches 48, 52, 56. This color-coding scheme provides visual instruction to the player that the second patch 50 releasably secures to the fourth patch 54 when forming a closed bridge. In those embodiments utilizing only two securing patches, both the first patch 48 and the second patch 50 should be the same color. Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that a shape scheme could also be used, in addition to or in lieu of a color scheme. With a shape scheme the first patch 48, third patch 52 and fifth patch 56 are shaped alike, and the second 50 and fourth patch 54 are shaped alike but shaped dissimilar from the first, third and fifth patches 48, 52, 56. The shapes could be round, square, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other shape in which the patch can be manufactured. A shape scheme visually assists the player in properly mating the patches to form a desired bridge position in a similar manner to the color scheme.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the billiard glove 10 worn while forming an open bridge. To form the open bridge, the player places the glove 10 over the bridge hand. The player places the palm portion 42 of the glove on the billiard table playing surface 30 with the knuckles 16 b, 18 b, 22 b, 24 b of the bridge hand raised. The first patch 48 positioned on the thumb stall 14 aligns and is releasably securable to the third patch 52 positioned on the interstice adjacent the thumb stall 14 of the index finger stall 16. The end of the thumb stall 14 distally extends away from the index finger stall 16. The distal ends of the index finger stall 16, middle finger stall 18, ring finger 22, and pinkie finger 24 maintain contact with the billiard table playing surface 30 as does a portion of the palm. The middle finger stall 18, ring finger 22 and pinkie finger 24 extend radially outwardly from the bridge hand providing stability to the bridge hand during cueing. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that a player can also form an open bridge position using an alternative embodiment of the glove 10 having only two patches. In this embodiment, a first patch 48 positioned on the thumb stall 14 releasably secures to a patch 52 positioned on the interstice of the index finger stall 16 adjacent the thumb stall 14.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the billiard glove 10 worn while forming a closed bridge. To form a closed bridge position with the preferred embodiment of the invention the player places the glove 10 over the bridge hand. The base of the palm of the bridge hand, usually covered by the palm portion 42 of the glove 10, rests on the billiard table playing surface 30. The knuckles 16 b, 18 b, 22 b, 24 b of the bridge hand are raised. The distal ends of the index finger stall 14, middle finger stall 16, ring finger 22, and pinkie finger 24 maintain contact with the billiard table playing surface 30 as does the palm portion 42. The first patch 48 is releasably securable to the fifth patch 56. The fourth patch 54 is releasably securable to the second patch 50. The ring finger 22 and pinkie finger 24 extend radially outwardly from the bridge hand providing stability to the bridge hand. Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 7, those skilled in the art will now appreciate another embodiment of the glove 10 that instructs the player in the formation of a closed bridge position having only two patches. This embodiment comprises a first patch 48 positioned on the thumb stall 14 which is releasably securable to a mating patch 56 positioned on the interstice of the middle finger stall 18 adjacent the index finger stall 16.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the glove 10 supporting a cue stick 32. FIG. 8 illustrates an open bridge position. Once the bridge hand properly forms the open bridge position using the glove 10, the player rests the striking end of the cue stick 32 along the bridge created by the abutment of the thumb stall 14 and the index finger stall 16. The properly formed bridge creates a stable, steady surface on which to rest the cue stick 32. The preferred low friction characteristics of the glove 10 material reduces friction as the cue stick 32 passes back and forth over the bridge while shooting. FIG. 9 illustrates a closed bridge position. Once the bridge hand properly forms the closed bridge position using the glove 32, the player places the striking end of the cue stick 32 on the thumb stall 14 and underneath the arch of the index finger stall 16. Again, the low friction characteristics of the glove 10 reduces friction as the cue stick 32 passes back and forth.

As has been demonstrated, the present invention provides a novel instructional device and method of use providing instruction in the proper formation of billiard bridge positions. The present invention could be used with a variety of billiard glove styles and materials. The prior art does not provide teachings in a billiard training aid having releasably securable finger stalls to instruct a player in formation of billiard bridge positions. Nor does the prior art teach the use of a billiard glove providing such instruction as disclosed herein. Furthermore, the prior art does not teach the use of a training aid that provides for restraint of the bridge hand in assuming a billiard bridge while retaining the natural freehand feel of the assumed position.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, additional variations and modifications in that embodiment may occur to those skilled in the art once they learn of the basic inventive concepts. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims shall be construed to include both the preferred embodiment and all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A billiard glove having a plurality of finger stalls adapted to receive a hand, at least a first patch of one of releasable hook and loop material positioned on a first one of the plurality of finger stalls a second patch of an opposite one of hook and loop material positioned on a second one of the plurality of finger stalls and a third patch of an opposite one of hook and loop material positioned on a third one of the plurality of finger stalls, such that the first patch releasably secures to either the second patch or the third patch.
 2. The billiard training aid of claim 1 wherein: the first finger stall is adapted to receive a thumb, the second finger stall is adapted to receive an index finger, whereby the person's bridge hand is instructed in forming an open bridge position when worn and the first finger stall is releasably secured to the second finger stall. 3-6. (canceled)
 7. The billiard training aid of claim 1 wherein: the first finger stall is adapted to receive a thumb and further comprises a bottom side and a thumb knuckle portion, the first patch is fixed on the bottom side adjacent the thumb knuckle portion; the second finger stall is adapted to receive an index finger and further comprises an interstice side adjacent the first finger stall and an index knuckle portion, the second patch is fixed on the interstice side adjacent the first finger stall and adjacent the index knuckle portion, whereby the bridge hand is instructed in formation of an open bridge position when worn.
 8. The billiard training aid of claim 1, wherein the first patch is the same color as the second patch.
 9. The billiard training aid of claim 1, wherein the first patch is the same shape as the second patch.
 10. A billiard training aid for instructing a player's bridge hand in the formation of a billiard's bridge comprising: a billiard glove comprising a glove member having a first finger stall adapted to receive a thumb, the first finger stall further comprising a bottom side and thumb knuckle portion; a second finger stall adapted to receive an index finger, the second finger stall further comprising an interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, and an index knuckle portion; a third finger stall adapted to receive a middle finger, the third finger stall further comprising an interstice side adjacent the second finger stall and a middle knuckle portion; a first releasable securing means positioned on the bottom side of the first finger stall adjacent the thumb knuckle portion, a second releasable securing means positioned on the first finger stall adjacent the distal end of the bottom side, a third releasable securing means positioned on the second finger stall adjacent the index knuckle portion on the interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, a fourth releasable securing means positioned adjacent the distal end of the second finger stall, a fifth releasable securing means positioned on the third finger stall adjacent the middle knuckle portion on the interstice adjacent the second finger stall, wherein the first releasable securing means is adapted to releasably engage the third and fifth releasable securing means, and the second releasable securing means is adapted to releasably engage the fourth releasable securing means; the glove member being movable between a position that restrains the bridge hand in assuming the shape of an open bridge position, wherein the first releasable securing means releasably engages the third releasable securing means, and a position that restrains the bridge hand in assuming the shape of a closed bridge position, wherein the first releasable securing means releasably engages the fifth releasable securing means while the second releasable securing means releasably engages the fourth releasable securing means.
 11. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the first releasable securing means comprises a first patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the second releasable securing means comprises a second patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the third releasable securing means comprises a third patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, the fourth releasable securing means comprises a fourth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, and the fifth releasable securing means comprises a fifth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material.
 12. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the first, third and fifth releasable securing means are the same color, and the second and fourth releasable securing means are the same color while maintaining a dissimilar color to the first, third and fifth releasable securing means, providing a color scheme to visually assist the player in mating the releasable securing means.
 13. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the first, third and fifth releasable securing means are the same shape, and the second and fourth releasable securing means are the same shape while maintaining a dissimilar shape to the first, third and fifth releasable securing means, providing a shape scheme to visually assist the player in mating the releasable securing means.
 14. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the glove is made of soft, elastic, low friction material. 15-16. (canceled)
 17. A method of instructing a billiard player's bridge hand in the formation of a closed billiard bridge position comprising the steps of: providing an instructional billiard glove adapted to receive a bridge hand having knuckles, the glove having a first finger stall adapted for receiving a thumb, a second finger stall adapted for receiving an index finger, and a third finger stall adapted for receiving a middle finger, wherein the first finger stall further comprises a bottom side, thumb knuckle portion, and has a first releasable securing means positioned on the bottom side adjacent the thumb knuckle portion, and a second releasable securing means positioned adjacent the distal end of the first finger stall; the second finger stall further comprises an index knuckle portion, an interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, a third releasable securing means positioned adjacent the index knuckle portion on the interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, and a fourth releasable securing means positioned adjacent the distal end of the second finger stall; the third finger stall further comprises a middle knuckle portion, an interstice side adjacent the second finger stall, and a fifth releasable securing means positioned adjacent the middle knuckle portion on the interstice side adjacent the second finger stall; placing the glove on the bridge hand; releasably securing the first releasable securing means to the fifth securing means; releasably securing the second securing means to the fourth securing means; placing the bridge hand on a flat surface while raising the knuckles of the bridge hand; placing the distal ends of the third finger stall, ring finger and pinkie finger against the flat surface; and extending the ring finger and pinkie finger radially outwardly from the bridge hand.
 18. The glove of claim 17, wherein the first releasable securing means comprises a first patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the second releasable securing means comprises a second patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the third releasable securing means comprises a third patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, the fourth releasable securing means comprises a fourth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, and the fifth releasable securing means comprises a fifth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material. 